David Hall receives his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award from Prince Edward at a ceremony in Toronto. In the background is Lt-Gov. David Onley.
Georgina
August 27, 2008 08:56 PM
John Slykhuis
It took years of dedication, hard work and determination, but it all paid off for Sutton resident David Hall earlier this year at Havergal College in Toronto.
Mr. Hall rose to accept the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award from Prince Edward and received congratulations from Ontario Lt-Gov. David Onley.
Looking on were his proud parents, Dr. John and Janet Hall.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an international challenge program for young adults age 14 to 25.
It consists of bronze, silver and gold levels, each of which is made up of several categories.
Mr. Hall had earlier achieved his bronze and silver awards before graduating from Sutton District High School two years ago.
The bronze and silver awards are non-prerequisite for completion of the gold level, however the requirements are more extensive if the earlier awards have not been achieved, he said.
To receive the gold award, a participant must complete: Service to the community through volunteer projects and undertakings that will benefit the community, an adventurous journey in the form of an expedition or exploration, development of a skill through time and sustained effort; physical recreation regularly and monitor progress with time and a residential project to broaden personal horizons by living and working with others, that are not regular companions, over at least five days, Mr. Hall said.
“For my service component, my primary commitment was as a volunteer leader for the 1st Sutton West Wolf Cub Pack, which I continued for two years as Baloo,” he said. “For this, I completed a basic training weekend and then ran games, played songs and helped with art projects.”
This was a commitment of a couple hours once a week plus the occasional weekend camping trip or planning session with the other leaders, he said.
Mr. Hall was volunteer co-ordinator at the Georgina Leisure Pool, a position in which he contacted, trained and oversaw a team of volunteer instructional assistants and waterslide operators.
“For my expedition, I joined a group of like-minded individuals met through the program and travelled for five days on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park,” he said.
“During this journey, I got to relax and enjoy beautiful nature scenery, while also getting plenty of exercise from paddling and portaging.”
As part of the program, he also set a goal of accomplishing his Grade 10 piano in the Royal Conservatory of Music. He accomplished with with the help of long-time friend and teacher, Patty Evans.
He completed his physical component through the many sports he played throughout high school including cross-country and wrestling.
For his residential project, he took a program at Queen’s University called the Enrichment Mini-Course program (or E=MC2).
Mr. Hall is entering his third year of a honours specialization in chemistry with a minor in materials science at the University of Western Ontario this September.
Mr. Hall thanked his parents for their support over the years.
“Both my parents have supported my endeavours throughout my life and have always encouraged and advised me when I needed it. They both have passed along endless skills and wisdom and are fantastic individuals.”